Falls are a leading cause of serious injury for older Americans. As baby boomers age, the problem is only getting worse.
Snohomish County Fire District 1 is trying to catch the problem before it gets any worse.
"Falls are a huge, huge volume of our calls, we responded to approximately a thousand falls calls last year and those are people with injuries," said Kristen Thorstenson, a new community resource specialist who is focusing mostly on fall prevention.
When requested, she will go to peoples' homes and help them identify problems. She says throw rugs and small pets are the most common hazards. Preventing falls can be as simple as installing a hand railing in the bathroom.
According to the CDC, one in three people over the age of 65 has experienced a fall.
"It's so essential, they help me so much," said Anne-Marie Sykes, who recently received a home assessment from Thorstenson.
Sykes and her husband Frank are at that age where a trip or stumble in their Edmonds home could drastically change their lives.
"I really need help and advice," she said.